Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzan publicly backed Spotify Camp Nou's candidacy to host the 2030 World Cup final during an event in Barcelona on Monday. His remarks came as FIFA have yet to decide between Camp Nou, the Bernabeu and the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca.
Louzan's remarks in Barcelona
Louzan made his position clear during a celebration marking the World Cup's arrival in Barcelona on Monday. He took part in the opening of the "Kings of the World" exhibition, staged by the Spanish Federation to mark the national team's title win, alongside Barcelona president Joan Laporta, the city's mayor Jaume Collboni and a number of sporting figures.
Louzan said: "The mayor has already announced his wish for this trophy to be here in 2030. I hope that comes true, as there is a possibility of achieving it."
Collboni's stated wish
Collboni declared his wish for Camp Nou to host the final on 21 July 2030. He said he had conveyed that wish to Louzan and Laporta.
Other venues in contention
GOAL reported that the Santiago Bernabeu had, over recent months, been tied to Spain's bid to host the final and touted as the country's strongest option against the Moroccan challenge. GOAL also reported that Louzan had earlier spoken of choosing one of Spain's two giant stadiums, a nod to the Bernabeu and Camp Nou, before his latest remarks, and that his position does not amount to pulling the candidacy from Real Madrid's stadium or settling the matter in Barcelona's favour.
FIFA still to choose
Morocco are pressing to host the final through the new Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, which is targeting a capacity of 115,000 spectators. FIFA have yet to settle on the venue from Camp Nou, the Bernabeu and the Hassan II Stadium.
